We are seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team in this dynamic role, where you will play a pivotal part in driving our company’s success. The ideal candidate will possess a strong educational background in a relevant field, complemented by at least [X] years of hands-on experience in [specific industry or function]. Key responsibilities include [list responsibilities], with an emphasis on [specific skill or goal]. Proficiency in [specific software, tools, or methodologies] is essential, and the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams is critical. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative projects while developing your career in a forward-thinking organization.
The Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) invites applications for the position of Carbon Program Director, a senior leadership role requiring extensive experience and strategic vision. This key role will oversee the Northern Kenya Rangeland Carbon Project (NKRCP), a groundbreaking, community-driven soil carbon initiative spanning 22 community conservancies across northern Kenya.
The initiative advances rangeland restoration, enhances biodiversity conservation, promotes sustainable grazing management, builds climate resilience, and fosters long-term community livelihoods by leveraging carbon finance and landscape stewardship strategies.
The Carbon Program Director will lead the Northern Kenya Rangeland Carbon Project (NKRCP) with strategic vision, technical expertise, operational excellence, and strong stakeholder engagement.
This position will be responsible for managing the execution of projects, coordinating governance activities, ensuring adherence to carbon standards and national regulations, facilitating community engagement initiatives, developing benefit-sharing frameworks, maintaining stakeholder relationships, and achieving conservation and livelihood outcomes across the participating conservancies.
The ideal candidate will collaborate extensively with NRT senior leadership, community governance bodies, government agencies, technical collaborators, and additional stakeholders to uphold the project’s technical integrity, social legitimacy, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with rangeland conservation and community development goals.
Oversee and execute core duties related to the role, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to drive performance and efficiency across assigned responsibilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate seamless project execution and address operational challenges proactively. Monitor progress through established metrics, providing data-driven insights to support decision-making. Maintain adherence to compliance standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in all activities. Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for innovation and process optimization. Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence within the team and broader organization.
The position entails overseeing and executing a range of duties, including but not limited to managing projects, coordinating team efforts, and ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures. Additionally, the individual will be tasked with analyzing data, identifying trends, and providing strategic recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth. The ideal candidate must demonstrate proficiency in relevant software tools, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills to collaborate effectively across departments. Regular reporting to senior management and participation in cross-functional initiatives will also be required.
Offering high-level strategic direction and comprehensive management for the execution of projects within collaborating conservancies.
Coordinating adherence to carbon standards, Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems, safeguards, verification processes, and Kenya’s carbon market regulations is essential.
Supporting the establishment and maintenance of governance frameworks, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC) protocols, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and institutional transition strategies lies at the heart of the role.
Conducting stakeholder engagement initiatives with communities, government entities, donors, technical collaborators, and conservation stakeholders serves as a primary responsibility.
Responsible for directing financial operations, implementing risk management strategies, administering grievance reparation systems, and ensuring strict project accountability measures.
Supporting the convergence of carbon finance initiatives with rangeland restoration efforts, biodiversity conservation strategies, and community livelihood priorities.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of five years of hands-on experience in a similar role, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The ideal applicant will demonstrate exceptional communication abilities and a proven track record in project management. Familiarity with current industry trends and best practices is required, as is the capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
Holders of a postgraduate qualification in environmental management, climate change, natural resource management, governance, law, economics, business administration, sustainable development, social sciences, or a cognate discipline are encouraged to apply.
With a minimum of ten years of progressive senior leadership experience in conservation, climate finance, community development, natural resource management, or large-scale program management, the ideal candidate will bring a wealth of expertise to the role.
Proven expertise in overseeing intricate programs that engage multiple stakeholders, including communities, government entities, donors, technical collaborators, and private sector partners, is essential.
Proficiency in carbon projects, measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV), verification processes, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC), safeguards, benefit-sharing mechanisms, or climate finance will serve as an additional asset.
Proficiency in collaborating with community institutions, conservancy governance frameworks, customary leadership bodies, and county or national governmental entities in northern Kenya is required.
Developed expertise in critical competencies essential for effective performance in the role, including analytical problem-solving, strategic planning, and adaptability to dynamic environments. Demonstrates strong interpersonal communication skills, fostering collaboration and conflict resolution within cross-functional teams. Exhibits exceptional organizational abilities, prioritizing tasks efficiently to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results. Maintains a proactive approach to professional development, staying informed about industry trends and emerging technologies. Proven capability to analyze complex data, interpret insights, and translate them into actionable strategies that drive business growth. Upholds a commitment to ethical standards and compliance with organizational policies while driving innovation and continuous improvement.
The successful applicant must exhibit the following qualities and qualifications:
Accomplished strategic leader with a proven ability to manage key stakeholders effectively, fostering alignment and driving organizational objectives with clarity and precision.
Proficiency in carbon markets, rangeland governance, and community-based conservation is essential.
Possesses exceptional proficiency in communication, negotiation, and problem-solving, demonstrating a keen aptitude for effectively conveying ideas, reaching mutually beneficial agreements, and resolving challenges with strategic insight and adaptability.
Financial oversight and the ability to manage risk effectively are essential requirements for this role. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring financial integrity, identifying potential risks, and implementing strategic measures to mitigate them. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be critical in maintaining robust financial controls and safeguarding organizational assets.
Demonstrated capacity to thrive in intricate, highly scrutinized operational settings.
Interested and qualified applicants must submit their application materials by the deadline of 5:00 PM on Monday, June 8, 2026. The application should include a cover letter, a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae outlining relevant experience, copies of academic and professional certificates, a national ID card, testimonials, a daytime telephone number, an email address, and the names of three professional referees. All submissions should be sent to recruit@nrt-kenya.org before the specified closing time.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
